BE.06: Sculpting Mahindra’s Electric Identity
Drafting the Future – 2D Design Insights on Mahindra BE.06 Title (Unique & Unused):
“Lines of Tomorrow: A Designer’s Take on Mahindra BE.06’s 2D Drafting Evolution”
Introduction
When Mahindra unveiled the BE.06, it wasn’t just an electric SUV — it was a signal of intent. The BE.06 stands tall in the Born Electric range, radiating boldness, modernity, and Indian ingenuity. As a designer specializing in 2D drafting, the challenge wasn’t just about lines on paper — it was about capturing a bold future in static views. This case study dissects the 2D drafting process that supports such an ambitious design.
1. Understanding the Design Language
Mahindra BE.06’s design falls under a unique umbrella — geometric aggression with a futuristic silhouette. From a 2D drafting perspective, this required:
-
Sharp creases with continuity
- Angular profiles balanced with flow
-
Aerodynamic sculpting clearly expressed in elevation and plan views
The aim was to translate emotional form into measurable geometry.
2. Starting with Orthographic Clarity
The base 2D drafting process began with standard orthographic projections:
-
Top View (Plan): Key for understanding proportion and curvature across the beltline. The rear taper and floating roof were hard to express without breaking the silhouette.
-
Side Elevation: Critical for showing the wheelbase dominance and fastback tail. The BE.06’s coupe-like stance needed clean, confident lines.
-
Front & Rear Views: These carried the EV identity — signature DRLs, sharp light bars, and EV-optimized grille treatment.
Challenge: The front lacked a traditional grille, so drafting had to emphasize lighting elements, surfacing angles, and panel depth without relying on conventional symbols.
3. Detailing the Character Lines
One of the most complex tasks was expressing the BE.06’s “arrowhead” shoulder line in 2D.
-
I used sectional overlays to demonstrate how the line picks up from the DRLs and wraps around into the rear haunch.
-
Layered lines in the drafting helped convey surface change — deep shadows versus subtle transitions.
Each line drawn wasn’t arbitrary — it was backed by parametric surfacing cues from CAD data.
4. Wheel Arches and Stance Geometry
The wheel arches had to highlight robustness while maintaining EV proportions. In drafting:
-
The arch-to-body gap was kept minimal to show low-slung stance.
-
Alloy design was rendered in simplified spokes to emphasize directionality.
-
The 120mm ground clearance was visually reinforced by side profile gaps and shadow outlines.
5. Light Treatment in 2D
As lighting became the face of EVs, drafting needed new conventions.
-
I added dashed outlines and pattern guides for DRLs and tail lamps.
-
The rear light bar, spanning the width, was tricky to reflect in 2D — required a rear perspective inset to show wraparound form.
6. Technical Drafting Meets Emotion
The challenge in BE.06 drafting was not to let technicality kill emotion. I added:
-
Exploded 2D views of panels and claddings.
-
Hidden layers for internal battery floor layout.
-
Annotations that described material intentions — matte cladding vs glossy finish.
